Asian consumer firms need to buck up on sustainability: New report

http://www.eco-business.com/news/asian-consumer-firms-need-to-buck-up-on-sustainability-new-report/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=April%2020%20newsletter&utm_content=April%2020%20newsletter+Version+A+CID_900b2679fb4f0ef3073e4553c5a04231&utm_source=Campaign%20Monitor

Posted by Daniel Kim

The Great Barrier Reef

Australia’s great natural world. The largest living thing on Earth. Visible from space. These phrases depict the one and only Great Barrier Reef of Australia. The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef and one of the seven wonders of the world. It is 1,400 miles long, contains 2,900 individual reefs, and is home to thousands of different species. Some examples are fish, mollusks, birds, whales and dolphins, and turtles. The reef provides life to many species, and if it were lost, the surrounding ecosystem would be negatively impacted to a great extent. 

However, it seems like the nightmare has become true. Last month, it was recorded that “The Great Barrier Reef of Australia passed away in 2016 after a long illness. It was 25 million years old.” The reef’s greatest enemy, bleaching, has caused tremendous amounts of destruction to the reef. Coral bleaching is when stress on the environment causes a disruption between the relationship between the tissues of corals and microscopic algae. This causes corals to turn white and lose its beautiful color. Several factors cause coral bleaching such as temperature change, runoff and pollution, overexposure to sunlight, and extreme low tides. Last May, researchers reported that more than a third of the northern reefs was dead and that 93% of individual reefs was affected. Since then, situations have worsened greatly; hence, the devastating news of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Despite how the Great Barrier Reef was declared dead by several, many have opposed this statement. Researchers and scientists say that the reef is not quite dead, but it is dying. Therefore, there is still hope in preserving it. According to CNN, in the past, the Australian government had pressured the United Nations to take the Great Barrier Reef off the climate change list, but after the major change, the most precise measurements are taking place. It is no doubt that the reef is in a grave state. However, it is not completely dead yet, and we can all strive to preserve what is still left. 

By: Soo Lee

Namsan Tower Lights

    Everyday, when the sun sets, the Namsan Tower always lights up in a certain color. These colors may vary from yellow, green, red, etc. However, did you ever stop to wonder what these colors meant?

    These wide array of colors all actually represent the air quality or dust level in the air. Depending on the amount of dust that day, the color of the tower will change. When the tower gives off a blue light, it signifies that the dust level in the air is very low. Usually, the dust level goes from 0-30 micrograms. Next, when the dust level is between 31 and 80 micrograms, the tower tends to illuminate in a greenish color. This means that the air quality for the day is average. An average air quality can sometimes come in colors of yellow and purple as well. Lastly, when the tower is red, it is giving a sign that the air quality is horrendous. This happens when the dust level exceeds 120 micrograms. The colors not only adds a cool feature to the beautiful tower, but it can also be utilized to inform people about the air quality. So when the tower is red, it would probably be best not to step outside. 

 

By: Justin Chung

Earthquake Possibilities

On September 12, I experience the first earthquake of my life. I was sitting at my desk at the time when I felt our apartment shaking for about 10 seconds. I did not know what it was at first. Only when I went out to the living room, did I learned through my parents that we just had an earthquake. The epicenter was in a city called Gyeongju located about 250km south of Seoul. The 5.8 magnitude earthquake was felt throughout most of the country and was followed by some 400 aftershocks with some being a magnitude of 3.8. The Gyeongju earthquake is considered to be most powerful earthquake to hit the peninsular since Korea began recording earthquakes in 1978. While the earthquake did not cause any major damage, it did leave us realizing how little we were prepared for such natural disaster.

Earthquake has never been part of our lives as I grew-up in Korea. We saw only through TV news coverage the devastations of earthquakes especially in our neighboring country Japan. And as we watched the news, I think most in Korea felt that it would never happen to us in Korea. The tremor on September 12 changed everyone’s minds. I think all Koreans now realize that Korea is not exempted from possible disaster. 

Now that I have lived through my first earthquake, like so many people, I started to think about what we need to do before the next one hits. Clearly there has to be a better education and training in place to show and teach everyone what they must do to prepare for an earthquake. I also wonder why we had an earthquake in Korea and also why it seems there were so many other earthquakes around the world. In 2016, there have been 8546 earthquakes around the world with magnitude of 4 or above. While it’s commonly known that earthquakes are usually caused when rock underground suddenly breaks along a fault and this  sudden release of energy causes the seismic waves that make the ground shake, what is not commonly known is the possibility of climate change triggering natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis. 

Professor Bill McGuire of University College of London published a book in 2012 discussing exact possibility. An article in CarbonBrief Clear on Climate, stated that “McGuire book examines what the planet has done in the past as the climate has changed naturally, and makes a convincing case for a historical relationship between natural change and some geological activity. Give the speedy nature of the current climate change, it seems reasonable to take form this that our current human-driven climate change will have geological consequences. McGuire suggests that if man-made climate change leads to more large ice sheets disappearing – like the one covering Greenland – this could lead to more shakes, rattles and rolls."

While there are skeptics calling McGuire’s theory as a science fiction, what is not science fiction is man made climate change is melting the ice and the world is witnessing greater number of earthquakes than before. 

By Daniel Kim 

Insect Sandwich Maker, a game made with Scratch

Throughout the workshops for young children, questions on 'How to make children get acquainted with insect food' keep coming on.  Insect food is one way to solve water shortage problems worldwide.

We came up with a thought that creating an on-line game using children friendly platform, 'Scratch', is a good way to make children get cozy with 'Insect food' concept.

Each member took a class and studied the 'Scratch' program and came up with own creation.

https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/119222170/

This is a game called, 'Insect Sandwich Maker', created by Alberta.

More information on Scratch:
https://scratch.mit.edu

The lazy person's guide to saving the world!!

Things you can do from your couch

• Save electricity by plugging appliances into a power strip and turning them off completely when not in use, including your computer.
• Stop paper bank statements and pay your bills online or via mobile. No paper, no need for forest destruction.
• Share, don’t just like. If you see an interesting social media post about women’s rights or climate change, share it so folks in your network see it too.
• Speak up! Ask your local and national authorities to engage in initiatives that don’t harm people or the planet. You can also voice your support for the Paris Agreement and ask your country to ratify it or sign it if it hasn’t yet.
• Don’t print. See something online you need to remember? Jot it down in a notebook or better yet a digital post-it note and spare the paper.
• Turn off the lights. Your TV or computer screen provides a cosy glow, so turn off other lights if you don’t need them.
• Do a bit of online research and buy only from companies that you know have sustainable practices and don’t harm the environment.
• Report online bullies. If you notice harassment on a message board or in a chat room, flag that person.
• Stay informed. Follow your local news and stay in touch with the Global Goals online or on social media at @GlobalGoalsUN.
• Tell us about your actions to achieve the global goals by using the hashtag #globalgoals on social networks.
• Offset your carbon emissions! You can calculate your carbon footprint and purchase climate credit from Climate Neutral Now.

Things you can do at home

• Air dry. Let your hair and clothes dry naturally instead of running a machine. If you do wash your clothes, make sure the load is full.
• Take short showers. Bathtubs require gallons more water than a 5-10 minute shower.
• Eat less meat, poultry, and fish. More resources are used to provide meat than plants
• Freeze fresh produce and leftovers if you don’t have the chance to eat them before they go bad. You can also do this with take-away or delivered food, if you know you will not feel like eating it the next day. You will save food and money.
• Compost—composting food scraps can reduce climate impact while also recycling nutrients.
• Recycling paper, plastic, glass & aluminium keeps landfills from growing.
• Buy minimally packaged goods.
• Avoid pre-heating the oven. Unless you need a precise baking temperature, start heating your food right when you turn on the oven.
• Plug air leaks in windows and doors to increase energy efficiency
• Adjust your thermostat, lower in winter, higher in summer
• Replace old appliances with energy efficient models and light bulbs
• If you have the option, install solar panels in your house. This will also reduce your electricity bill!
• Get a rug. Carpets and rugs keep your house warm and your thermostat low.
• • Don’t rinse. If you use a dishwasher, stop rinsing your plates before you run the machine.
  • Choose a better diaper option. Swaddle your baby in cloth diapers or a new, environmentally responsible disposable brand.
  • Shovel snow manually. Avoid the noisy, exhaust-churning snow blower and get some exercise.
  • Use cardboard matches. They don’t require any petroleum, unlike plastic gas-filled lighters.
  
  

  Things you can do outside your house

  • Shop local. Supporting neighbourhood businesses keeps people employed and helps prevent trucks from driving far distances.
  • Shop Smart—plan meals, use shopping lists and avoid impulse buys. Don’t succumb to marketing tricks that lead you to buy more food than you need, particularly for perishable items. Though these may be less expensive per ounce, they can be more expensive overall if much of that food is discarded.
  • Buy Funny Fruit—many fruits and vegetables are thrown out because their size, shape, or color are not “right”. Buying these perfectly good funny fruit, at the farmer’s market or elsewhere, utilizes food that might otherwise go to waste.
  • When you go to a restaurant and are ordering seafood always ask: “Do you serve sustainable seafood?” Let your favorite businesses know that ocean-friendly seafood’s on your shopping list.
  • Shop only for sustainable seafood. There are now many apps like this one that will tell you what is safe to consume.
  • Bike, walk or take public transport. Save the car trips for when you’ve got a big group.
  • Use a refillable water bottle and coffee cup. Cut down on waste and maybe even save money at the coffee shop.
  • Bring your own bag when you shop. Pass on the plastic bag and start carrying your own reusable totes.
  • Take fewer napkins. You don’t need a handful of napkins to eat your takeout. Take just what you need.
  • Shop vintage. Brand-new isn’t necessarily best. See what you can repurpose from second-hand shops.
  • Maintain your car. A well-tuned car will emit fewer toxic fumes.
  • Donate what you don’t use. Local charities will give your gently used clothes, books and furniture a new life.
  • Vaccinate yourself and your kids. Protecting your family from disease also aids public health.
  • Take advantage of your right to elect the leaders in your country and local community.

A World without Cars

Recently, cities all around the world has set traffic restrictions to create a world-wide Car-Free-Day, starting from Bogota to Paris to Istanbul.

https://www.theguardian.com/cities/gallery/2016/sep/26/world-without-cars-cities-go-car-free-in-pictures

by Cindy Kim

2016 Seoul Race, Wild Tigers Conservation Campaign

By participating in ‘2016 Seoul Race’, you can help out endangered wild tigers!! WWF-Korea is launching an campaign with Dong-A daily to have an awareness  an endangered species, wild tigers. For more information, go to:

http://www.seoul-race.co.kr/gift/index02.php?opt10=wwf

Report by Alberta Yoo

Green Passport

When you are traveling, think green as well! 

By Alberta Yoo

3rd Ecosave Workshop - Scratch Games and Water Bag

    Once again, we opened up another workshop with the purpose to educate the kids and give them a better understanding about edible insects, endangered animals, and water. We started off by reusing our endangered animals and edible insects presentations from the previous workshops. The "Open Hands" water filter was also brought back. Due to the lack of club members, each person was responsible for 4-5 children. The presentation was very similar to the ones we used in the past. We did this hoping that it would refresh the kids' memory and help them get a better understanding.

    Next, we introduced the kids to a game that each one of us individually made. We created a simple game using the application "Scratch." The games were based off insects to rekindle the concept of edible insects. For approximately 20 minutes, all the kids had a chance to play each game a few times. Some found it boring, while others thought it was surprisingly interesting. Overall, it was a successful session.

    Lastly, we decided to make a quiz for all the kids that participated in this workshop. It was an individual game without teams or groups. The 3 winners from this quiz game were given special presents such as water bottle, notebook, etc. However, at the end, we gave everyone goodie bags and closed the workshop.

   Over the three workshops, it was humbling and satisfying to watch the young children develop both in knowledge and maturity over the difficult concept.

 

 

By Justin Chung

Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering seems like a revolutionary breakthrough in technology. Most people applaud it for its various abilities and purposes. However genetic engineering has many consequences that people disregard. The use of genetic engineering may seem alluring for its benefits, but the risks may outweigh the potential benefits. These days genetic engineering can be another way for humans to act on their own conveniences, while neglecting possible consequences for the environment. Considering the consequences of genetic engineering would be conserving a part of the environment. Ultimately, we should carefully exercise the use of genetic engineering because of its threats to the environment.

Genetic engineering poses a risk to the environment. Genetically engineered plants harm the environment in several different ways. According to ucsusa.org, plants that have their DNA altered may be invasive or toxic to other plants in wildlife. The most harmful impact genetic engineering can have on agriculture is pesticide resistance. Several weeds have become resistant towards pesticides. These weeds provide an alarming issue for farmers as it spreads rapidly. Furthermore, this agitation prompts farmers to use even more toxic herbicides to battle these weeds.

Surprisingly, cloning animals can harm the environment as well. One practical reason for cloning animals is to save an endangered species. However, this shifts our focus from protecting their habitats. We have an excuse to let their habitat dissipate since we have a more convenient way of saving them. This is not an ideal method to conserve the environment. Letting an animal live without their home is not conserving nature at all.

The reduction of genetic diversity also becomes an issue with genetic engineering. According to Harvard University, an increased variety in DNA is necessary for organisms to adapt to changing environments. The potato famine in Ireland provides a great example for this situation. In the 1800s, the potatoes in Ireland were clones, which means they were genetically identical. An invasive pathogen, called P. infestans, caused a severe famine as it wiped out the entire population of potatoes. With no potatoes with favorable traits, no potatoes were able to survive the attack of the invasive pathogen.

Advantageous genes in genetically modified organisms may also increase their survival in a wild population. These organisms will survive and outlast their wild relatives. Thus, this reduces the amount of genetic diversity as GMOs reproduce at a faster rate than the latter.

Animals may also suffer due to genetic engineering. First of all, a lot of animals have to die in order to produce a few number of successes. Many transgenic organisms are also likely to die in the early stages of their life. All in all, genetically engineering can be inefficient as 85 to 90 percent of organisms fail to show the desired trait.

The well-being of the environment is far more significant than the revolutionary astonishments that genetic engineering may provide. Even though there are benefits of genetic engineering, the dangers of it can’t be ignored heedlessly. Our environment always seems to be ignored. Therefore we have to recognize that genetic engineering may be the newest offender to ignore the consequences of the environment.

Posted by Daniel Kim

2nd EcoSave Workshop - Edible Insects and Water

In continuation of the first successful workshop, we decided to hold another one to encourage younger students to continue to be engaged in environmental issues. Held on July 2nd, the workshop was based on edible insects and the importance of water.

Once again, we opened up with presentations from each member of the club in order to help the children get a sense of what the day's topic was about. However, we provided something different from the previous workshop by including a hands-on experience for the students. To introduce the importance of water, we presented the children with a filter, made by a NGO called "Open Hands." This NGO makes filters for communities in the Philippines to enhance their water quality and prevent certain diseases. The students learned what the filter was made of, how it was put together with the water container, why people used it, and were able to actually taste tap water through the filter.

Next up on the agenda were the presentations by the children. Guided by one of the club members, each group chose one edible insect, researched for 30 minutes, created a powerpoint, and presented to other groups.  Along the process, we gave out cookies with edible insects in them. Although some kids were disgusted and ran away with one glance at the cookie, others found the cookies delicious and crunchy. Some of them even picked the insects out of the cookie to see how they tasted like!

We wrapped up by giving out goody bags, and the children were already curious and eager about when the next workshop would be. Although the day's lesson mainly regarded insects, a topic not a lot of people are fond of, we were glad that they went home, knowing that edible insects are actually good for the environment. Overall, we were glad the second workshop was another success and that we were able to use our knowledge to help educate younger children about the environment and how to improve it.

By Soo Lee

Acid Rain - one of the effects of Air pollution

Environmental pollution and climate change are becoming a greater threat to mankind.
Acid rain is one of the effects of Air pollution. Therefore, Air pollution becomes worse, Acid rain problem comes up bigger issue in our society.

Acid rain is any form of precipitation that contains high levels of nitric and sulfuric acids. It can occur in forms other than rain such as snow, fog, etc. Acid rain is a dilemma all around the globe but there are certain regions where this precipitation is more critical. The source or cause of this issue is simply air pollution. As factories and automobiles emit nitrogen and sulfur into the air, it causes a chemical reaction high up into the atmosphere. Those chemicals mix with water and oxygen which generates acid rain. Thus, the cause of acid rain is due to manmade sources. 

This problem is a global issue that affects all the regions on Earth. This is because no matter where the pollution is, the water cycle moves the pollution around and spread the acid rain to different locations. Although the problem is not severe yet, it is a growing concern that we should definitely be aware of. As air pollution increases, acid rain increases as well which obviously means the amount of acid rain is escalating. This is definitely problematic because acid rain does a lot of harm to many different things and places. First of all, it damages the aquatic environment. Acid rain always reaches the water source either directly, by flowing down a forest, etc. When this happens, the pH level or the level of acid significantly decreases. This is dangerous because fish need a particular level of pH in order to survive. The impact of pH level is that it makes it impossible for fish eggs to hatch and it also kills adult fish. Therefore, acid rain has a colossal influence on aquatic life. Secondly, it abuses forests and trees in particular. Acid rain breaks down the tree’s defense which causes it to be more vulnerable to diseases, extreme weather, and insects that can destroy the trees. Next, it also has a big impact on architecture, especially buildings. When acid rain makes contact with buildings, especially those made out of limestone, it makes the buildings weaker and easier to decay. This is the same for others such as airplanes, cars, bridges, etc. Lastly, it affects people in the way that it deteriorates people’s vision and it can cause problems in their lungs and hearts in the long term. Despite these destructive effects of acid rain, fortunately there are many places around the world trying to diminish this issue. Governments are cleaning industry smokestacks and trying to find alternate fuel sources to decrease the pollution resulting in acid rain. In addition, the EPA’s Acid Rain Program has been putting a limit to the emission of sulfur dioxide by putting a cap on the use of power plants. Overall, the issue is not good but there are many people that are trying help decrease the problem.

In order to reverse the problem, the only thing we can do is curbing the release of the pollution that is causing acid rain. The best thing we can do is to burn less fossil fuel. Therefore, we need to find alternative energy sources to utilize instead of fossil fuel. In addition, to limit acid rain, it is important to clean up exhaust pipes and smoke stacks. However, not only certain people have the ability to do this but everyone can contribute to stopping acid rain. The most important thing is to conserve energy and everyone can do this. For example, using less electronics, lights, air conditioning, etc. can all help decrease air pollution. Another way to help is by driving less and using public transportation. Cars and trucks all release lots of nitrogen oxide which is a factor that causes acid rain. Although these are really little things, it can add up to make a huge difference in society. Currently, there are many things that are being done in order to raise awareness of this detrimental situation. For example, commercials, ads, newspapers, and many other things are being released into the internet. All of these are all contributing to raise awareness. Something that can be done even more to help the situation is sharing this problem in social media.

By Justin Chung

Italian Composer Ludovico Einaudi Plays on the Arctic Ocean

Two weeks ago, Italian composer and pianist Ludovico Einaudi performed on a floating glacier in the middle of the Arctic Ocean. This performance was not for his own good, but for the good of the world, as his ultimate goal was to help save the Arctic.

Scientists have warned that the Arctic has been melting much faster than expected. The main causes of this phenomenon are destructive fishing and oil spilling. However, why do people worldwide care so much about the Arctic? The Arctic is home to several unique animals, including polar bears, regulates the climate, and is said to be a global treasure. Recently, Greenpeace, a non-governmental environmental organization, stated that "the Arctic Ocean is the least protected sea in the world, its high seas currently have no legal safeguards."

In order to raise awareness of the danger the Arctic is in, a Greenpeace ship with over 8 million voices set off from the Netherlands to the Arctic. Along the way, the ship stopped by Norway and picked up Ludovico Einaudi, who brought along a grand piano. What Einaudi did was unimaginable. He played his own composition, "Elegy for the Arctic," which was sponsored by Greenpeace. His performance was undoubtedly majestic and within weeks, many people started becoming alert to the current situation of the Arctic.

However, Einaudi's performance was not simply purposeless. It coincided with a special occasion that took place this last week. From the 20th to the 24th of June, OSPAR (an international environmental committee of 15 countries) held a meeting in Spain to come to a unified conclusion. Their proposal was to safeguard 10% of the Arctic Ocean. Although this may seem like an easy decision, three countries, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland are against the proposal. Unfortunately, the power and influence these countries hold are great, and somehow, they need to be persuaded to changed their opinions.

Although we live extremely far away from the Arctic, the impact of this region is enormous. What Einaudi did was only part of many people's voices. However, it touched many people's hearts around the world, and hopefully, the three countries will change their opinions. 10% may not seem much at first, but it is a great start to protecting the polar-white Arctic.

Save the Arctic!

By Soo Lee

1st EcoSave Workshop "Endangered Species and the environment".

Our club was planning workshop series to educate pressing environment issues to local elementary children and discuss plausible solutions from children's perspective. The motivation was planting an awareness from the early age so that the younger ones could get acquainted with environmental issues and be conscious about them. We put advertisements in local residential housings and 15 children age from 8 to 11. First, we started the workshop with a children friendly issue, 'Endangered animal species.' PPT presentation on the topic and small group teaching and children's feed back presentation were coordinated. Fun games and goody bags for the hard working(?) children were the final events of the workshop. We received great feed backs from our young students, boosting our confidence to plan coming workshops during summer break. Engaging age appropriate topic and explanation could catch young ones attention to get involved with serious environmental issues, that was our humble learning.

EcoSave Workshop "Endangered Species and the environment".

Our club was planning workshop series to educate pressing environment issues to local elementary children and discuss plausible solutions from children's perspective. The motivation was planting an awareness from the early age so that the younger ones could get acquainted with environmental issues and be conscious about them. We put advertisements in local residential housings and 15 children age from 8 to 11. First, we started the workshop with a children friendly issue, 'Endangered animal species.' PPT presentation on the topic and small group teaching and children's feed back presentation were coordinated. Fun games and goody bags for the hard working(?) children were the final events of the workshop. We received great feed backs from our young students, boosting our confidence to plan coming workshops during summer break. Engaging age appropriate topic and explanation could catch young ones attention to get involved with serious environmental issues, that was our humble learning.